You would think a tenured institution like Sparks would have put out a live album by this point right? I mean, it’s been over 40 years since the Mael brothers released Halfnelson (later renamed Sparks) and they have over 20 albums under their belt, but never a live record? Well, that won’t be true for much longer, as Sparks have announced Two Hands One Mouth: Live in Europe.
Two Hands One Mouth, a two-disc set, chronicles the band’s 2012 tour that featured the brothers playing without a backing band (or a computerized facsimile of one), hence the title. As it was something the band had never really tried before on a major tour, they wanted to “celebrate the event with a souvenir for all Sparks fans,” the brothers write on their website, “that captures this tour and the unique format.” An interesting idea from a band that is known for their criss-crossing of genres and styles.
Two Hands One Mouth tracklisting:
CD 1:
01. Sparks Overture
02. Hospitality on Parade
03. Metaphor
04. Propaganda
05. At Home, At Work, At Play
06. Sherlock Holmes
07. Good Morning
08. Under The Table With Her
09. My Baby’s Taking Me Home
10. Singing In The Shower
11. The Wedding of Jacqueline Kennedy To Russell Mael
12. Excerpts from THE SEDUCTION OF INGMAR BERGMAN (“I Am Ingmar Bergman,” “Mr. Bergman How Are You?,” “We’ve Got To Turn Him ‘Round,” “He’s Home”)
13. Dick Around
14. Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth
15. This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both Of Us
16. The Rhythm Thief
17. Suburban Homeboy
18. When Do I Get To Sing ‘My Way’
CD2 (The Encore):
01. The Number One Song In Heaven
02. Beat The Clock
03. Two Hands One Mouth
The band is still taking this new live format on the road for a handful of dates in California next month too. If you’re a fan and you waited to buy tickets, you’re shit out of luck as most of the shows have sold out:
04.09.13 - San Francisco, CA - The Chapel
04.10.13 - San Francisco, CA - The Chapel (sold out)
04.12.13 - Indio, CA - Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival
04.16.13 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Forever Cemetery (sold out)
04.17.13 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Forever Cemetery (sold out)
04.19.13 - Indio, CA - Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival
• Sparks: http://www.allsparks.com
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